Automation has become too strategic — and too complex — for manufacturers to leave in the wrong hands. Whether you’re launching a new production line, integrating a robotic cell, or upgrading a control system, the right system integrator can make the difference between a smooth ramp-up and months of downtime.

But “right” doesn’t just mean the lowest bid or the biggest name. It means a partner who understands your processes, communicates clearly, and can deliver a system that performs safely and reliably under real-world conditions. Here’s what to look for when evaluating system integrators — and what the best in the field are doing to set themselves apart.

Proven Technical Competence and Industry Experience

At the core of any good integrator relationship is technical credibility. You’re not just buying hardware and code — you’re buying expertise. An integrator should have demonstrable experience in your specific industry, not just general automation. The mechanical, electrical, and safety challenges of a food processing plant are nothing like those of a medical device line or an automotive assembly cell. Ask for case studies and project references that match your application in both scope and complexity.

Also look closely at their technology stack alignment. If your facility runs on Rockwell Automation hardware and FactoryTalk software, a Siemens-focused integrator could add unnecessary friction. Conversely, an integrator fluent in multiple platforms — Rockwell, Siemens, Beckhoff, Omron — can offer a more flexible, future-proof architecture.

Certifications and Standards Compliance

For an industry that lives by uptime and compliance, standards matter. A3’s Certified Robot Integrator designation is an excellent sign of competency. It indicates that the integrator’s processes, safety practices, and programming standards have been independently audited.

Motion Control Robotics was the first company to achieve this certification a few months after A3 launched the program in 2012 to ensure manufacturers have access to qualified robotic integrators.

“Achieving the A3 certification demonstrates our expertise and allows our customers to make a more informed supplier selection decision based on the findings of an independent third party,” notes Scott Lang, president of Motion Control Robotics.

Safety standards should also be a discussion point. A reputable integrator should be fluent in ISO 10218, ISO 13849-1, and ANSI/A3 R15.06-2025 — the backbone of modern robotic safety compliance. Ask to see how a potential partner conducts and documents risk assessments and how they integrate those findings into the final design.

At the International Robot Safety Conference in November, Craig Salvalaggio, president of Applied Manufacturing Technologies (AMT), and Gerd Walter, president and COO of Creative Automation, presented information on the role of system integrators in robot safety — discussing the importance of a risk assessment and safety knowledge, among other details.


Strong Project Management and Communication

Even technically sound integrators can fail if their project management is weak. Automation projects involve multiple suppliers, shifting schedules, and evolving requirements — and someone has to orchestrate it all.

Good integrators run their projects with defined milestones, Gantt-tracked deliverables, and regular review checkpoints. They also establish a single point of contact who owns communication between their team and yours.

Life-Cycle Support and Scalability

Integration doesn’t end at startup. Once a system is online, it enters a long tail of maintenance, support, and incremental improvement. A good integrator understands this and offers life-cycle services that keep equipment productive long after commissioning. That might include remote diagnostics, preventive maintenance, spare parts programs, or operator training.

Just as important is scalability. Ask whether you’ll have access to the source code, documentation, and PLC/robot programs. The goal is to ensure your internal team can maintain and expand the system later — not remain dependent on the integrator forever.

Data Integration and IT/OT Convergence

As factories become more connected, the line between automation and information technology continues to blur. A modern system integrator must understand data flow beyond the PLC.

That means comfort with MES and ERP integration, OPC UA, MQTT, and SQL databases, as well as emerging standards for industrial edge computing. If your business is investing in analytics or smart manufacturing initiatives, your integrator should be fluent in the protocols and cybersecurity measures that keep data reliable and secure.

Leading integrators also help clients capture and contextualize operational data — turning machine output into actionable insights for quality, maintenance, or energy efficiency. In many cases, that capability becomes the difference between a one-time automation project and a scalable Industry 4.0 platform.

Cultural Fit and Collaboration Style

Technical skill is table stakes. Cultural alignment determines whether the project experience is productive or painful.

During your initial discussions, pay attention to how the integrator’s engineers communicate. Are they transparent about risks? Do they ask thoughtful questions about your process goals? Do they seem more interested in understanding your operation than pitching their hardware? These cues are often more revealing than a formal proposal.

The Bottom Line: Choose a Partner, Not a Vendor

Automation success depends as much on partnership as it does on technology. The best system integrators don’t just install machines — they extend your engineering team, protect your uptime, and help future-proof your investment.

In today’s competitive manufacturing landscape, speed to market and flexibility matter more than ever. Choosing a capable, communicative, and technically aligned integrator ensures you’re not just keeping pace — you’re building the kind of production foundation that can evolve with your business.